Health and Safety in Laboratories

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of health in the context of molecular biology?

The ability to conduct laboratory tests without errors.

A general state of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. (correct)

The absence of chemical hazards in the workplace.

A situation where employees work effectively in teams.

Which organization is responsible for the U.S. occupational safety standards?

U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (correct)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)

College of American Pathologists (CAP)

What is one of the National Patient Safety Goals established by The Joint Commission?

To eliminate all biohazard materials from the lab.

To increase the number of diagnostic tests performed.

To reduce the number of laboratory personnel.

To ensure urgent notification of critical laboratory assay values. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT considered a component of security in the laboratory context?

Chemical hygiene protocols Signup and view all the answers

Who has the primary responsibility for compliance with safety regulations in a laboratory?

The safety officer Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of government agencies in the context of laboratory safety?

To initiate, govern, and review safety standards Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a hazard that must be identified in the laboratory?

Chemical and biological hazards Signup and view all the answers

What is a duty of the designated safety officer in the laboratory?

To ensure compliance with existing safety regulations Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of standard precautions in healthcare settings?

To prevent occupational exposures to bloodborne pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances should hand antisepsis using antimicrobial soap be considered?

In situations with potentially infectious body fluids. Signup and view all the answers

Why is frequent handwashing emphasized as an important safety precaution?

It reduces the risk of direct infection or environmental transmission. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done after contact with a patient's skin?

Decontaminate hands. Signup and view all the answers

How should hands be treated after contact with blood and body fluids?

Decontamination must occur immediately. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function of gloves in patient care?

They provide a barrier but should not substitute for hand hygiene. Signup and view all the answers

What should one do if moving from a contaminated area to a clean body site?

Decontaminate hands. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of treating all human blood and body fluids as potentially infectious?

It promotes a consistent approach to infection control. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum duration for rubbing hands with an alcohol-based handrub until they are dry?

15 to 25 seconds Signup and view all the answers

Which type of soap is specified for washing hands in settings where antimicrobial action is not necessary?

Non-antimicrobial soap Signup and view all the answers

When should laboratory coats be changed or covered?

When leaving the immediate work area Signup and view all the answers

What type of gloves are recommended for handling corrosive chemicals?

Chemical-resistant gloves specific to the substance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using foot protection in the laboratory?

To prevent injury from corrosive chemicals or heavy objects Signup and view all the answers

What should be used to turn off the faucet after washing hands?

A disposable towel Signup and view all the answers

What does OSHA require regarding personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Employers must provide necessary PPE to employees Signup and view all the answers

What protective equipment should be available for laboratory personnel when handling hot or cold objects?

Heat-resistant gloves Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a laboratory coat?

To protect the clothing and skin from chemicals Signup and view all the answers

What feature of a safety can helps to relieve pressure buildup?

Spring-closing lid Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is classified as a physical hazard?

Unbalanced centrifuges Signup and view all the answers

How often should eye wash stations be inspected?

Periodically Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct storage capacity for a safety can?

5 gallons Signup and view all the answers

Why must safety showers be routinely inspected?

To ensure proper functioning during an emergency Signup and view all the answers

What type of container is used for disposing of sharp objects?

Sharps containers Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for the daily monitoring of refrigerators and freezers?

Ensuring proper functioning Signup and view all the answers

What is the dilution ratio recommended for bleach when cleaning blood spills?

1:10 Signup and view all the answers

What material should be used to wipe down the spill site after cleaning with diluted bleach?

Paper towels Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about bleach is true?

It is fast acting and inexpensive. Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate action for non-disposable equipment after exposure to blood?

Soak in a dilute bleach solution overnight. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with disposable materials used for decontamination?

Place them in a biohazard container. Signup and view all the answers

What should be strictly forbidden in the laboratory regarding personal habits?

Mouth pipetting Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is recommended for handling biological specimens?

Wearing protective gloves Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended procedure for decontaminating disposable glassware that has come in contact with blood?

Autoclave or incinerate. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Health, Safety, and Security

Health is a state of physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Safety ensures the physical well-being of people.
Security protects employees and organizational facilities.

Safety in the Laboratory

Safety standards are set by government agencies and professional organizations.
The Joint Commission established National Patient Safety Goals, including addressing critical laboratory assay values.
The laboratory is responsible for notifying clinicians of critical results.
Potential risks include direct infection and environmental contamination.
Standard precautions treat all human blood and body fluids as potentially infectious for HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne microorganisms.

Handwashing

Frequent handwashing is a safety precaution.
It should be performed after contact with patients, laboratory specimens, and contaminated surfaces.
Gloves are an adjunct to, not a substitute for, handwashing.
When using a waterless antiseptic agent, apply product to the palm of one hand and rub hands together for 15-25 seconds until dry.
When washing with soap, wet hands with warm water, apply detergent, rub vigorously for at least 15 seconds, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a disposable towel.

Personal Protective Equipment

Employers must provide necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).
Eye protection: Goggles and face shields.
Protective clothing: Wear a laboratory coat buttoned up with sleeves extended to the wrist.
Foot protection: Wear shoes that completely cover and protect the feet.
Hand protection: Use heat-resistant gloves for hot/cold objects and latex/nitrile gloves for biological hazards.

Safety Equipment

Individual storage containers: Select the container based on compatibility with the chemical reagent. Safety cans are for storing chemicals, up to 5-gallon capacity.
Sharps containers: Hard containers for discarding sharps, such as needles, broken glass, and pipettes.
Eye wash stations: Inspect and test for proper function periodically.
Safety showers: Inspect and test for proper function periodically.
Refrigerators: Monitor daily for proper functioning.

General Infection Control

Always sterilize and use non-reusable devices that come into contact with blood.
Use diluted bleach (1:10) solution for decontaminating surfaces.
Dispose of contaminated materials properly.
Decontaminate non-disposable equipment by soaking overnight in diluted bleach solution.
No eating, drinking, or tobacco use in the laboratory.
Do not handle contact lenses or teeth-whitening strips with gloved or potentially infectious hands.
Do not apply lipstick or makeup in the laboratory.
All personnel should be familiar with the location and use of eyewash stations and safety showers.

Specimen-Processing Protection

Always wear protective gloves when handling biological specimens.
Biohazards include viruses and bacteria.
Physical hazards: Noise, poor posture, and explosibility/flammability of substances.
Safety hazards: Unbalanced centrifuges, handling hot sterilized items, and electrical hazards.
Allergy hazards: Be aware of allergies and possible reactions to reagents.

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Description

This quiz covers essential topics related to health, safety, and security in laboratory settings. It highlights the importance of safety standards, handwashing protocols, and the steps taken to protect both employees and patients. Understanding these concepts is vital for maintaining a safe laboratory environment.